Lara, who played more than 400 times for the Windies, will begin by working with the men's Test squad for the Zimbabwe series, and also be available to the academy
West Indies will have Brian Lara available as part of a new role as a performance mentor.
The former batter, who represented Windies on more than 400 occasions, scoring in excess of 21,000 Test and ODI runs, "will be to support the various head coaches in providing players with tactical advice and improving their game sense".
Lara will also work alongside director of cricket Jimmy Adams to help prepare for the World Cup.
"Having spent time with the players and coaches in Australia and in discussions with CWI, I really believe that I can help the players with their mental approach to the game and with their tactics to be more successful," said the 53-year-old, who will lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.
A modern great of West Indies cricket - Lara will hope to have a similar impact off the field (Clive Mason/Getty Images)
"I'm looking forward to joining the group in Zimbabwe and the opportunity to work with other West Indies teams later in the year."
The news comes after Lara was part of a three-man panel, also including Mickey Arthur, that held a review following the Windies' group stage exit at the men's T20 World Cup.
In the release confirming the development, it states Lara will be "working across all international teams and with input into the West Indies ccademy" but it is unclear if this includes the women's side, who are currently gearing up for the T20 World Cup in South Africa.
The role will begin with the men's Test squad ahead of the Zimbabwe series, which begins on February 4.
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